It's 2007!

Portola Welcomes in the New Year with a Bang! By Ralph Taylor

If you judge success by large crowds having fun, then the First Annual Portola New Years Eve Party and Fireworks show was a huge success. The evening started out with our local Rock Bottom Band rockin’ the night away to a packed house at the Portola Memorial Hall. The New Years revelers were treated to a night of dancing, great food, and a fun raffle with over 30 gifts donated by local businesses. The event was a fund raiser that benefits the Portola Railroad Days.

At midnight, the community was wowed by a spectacular fireworks show that was seen and heard by hundreds. One comment heard over and over throughout the evening was “Wow, can you believe we have fireworks in Portola!” The City of Portola funded the fireworks show this year. There are donation cans still at many local businesses to start the fundraising for the fireworks for next year.

The “designated driver” shuttle van provided by Chris Knox of Environmental Alternatives was a huge hit and she ferried party-goers from Beckwourth to Graeagle throughout the evening.

The active 15 members of the Railroad Days Association were thrilled with the event and the participation by the community. Committee member Ann Taylor commented, “This is a good start at fundraising for this year’s Railroad Days, but more importantly it is another fun event for the community and another way to bring the community together.”

Winner of 2007 Railroad Days Logo Contest Selected
On January 12, the Portola Railroad Days Committee announced the winner of their Logo Contest for the 2007 Railroad Days event. First place design was created by Susan Arterburn of Portola and portrays “The Union Pacific Challenger, Engine 3985”. This is her second year winning the logo contest. For her work, Susan will receive the First Prize of $100 and her design will be displayed on all promotional materials and the website for the 2007 Railroad Days – 25th Anniversary. Again this year, a limited number of original, signed and framed prints will be auctioned at the Kickoff Dinner on August 23rd.

This is the second year for the logo contest and the committee was excited to receive six entries for this year’s contest. A close second place and $50 goes to Tom Frady of Quincy who also submitted a design utilizing “The Challenger”. Third place winner and $25 goes to Lou Etta Held also from Quincy. The Railroad Days Committee wishes to thank all the logo designers for their work!

Sled Dog Races & Snowshoe Races
The Fourteen Angels Foundation, Inc., Sierra Nevada Dog Drivers, Inc., and Soroptimists International of Portola are holding the Lake Davis Sled Dog & Snowshoe Races on January 27 and 28.

Share in the family friendly Sled Dog Race weekend excitement from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm both days. There will be K-9 and Sled Dog events and “How To” demonstrations including:
“Ski & Bike With Your Dog” By 5-Time ISDRA Medalist, Mike Callahan
“Sled Dogs in Wartime and Peacetime” Historical Display
Weekend Barbecue & Refreshments by Soroptomists International of Portola
KIDS!! Get your picture taken in a Dog Sled with REAL sled dogs! And learn to drive a Dog Sled with a REAL sled dog! For more information visit the website: http://www.lakedavissleddograce.com/.
This event is hosted by USDA-Forest Service, Beckwourth Ranger District and supported by Portola area businesses.

Saturday evening after the event beginning at 6:00 pm, The Log Cabin Restaurant & Bar in downtown Portola will have a special dinner called “Have a Howlin’ Good Time Goin’ to the Dogs!” with lively Celtic Music by “Garain”. Special dinner menu is $19.00 for adults with a kids menu (under 12). There will be limited seating for the dinner and you can reserve space now by calling the Log Cabin at 530-832-5243.

Snowmobile Poker Run at Lake Davis
The Rotary Club of Portola is holding their annual Snowmobile Poker Run at Lake Davis on Saturday, February 17. Raffle tickets are on sale now for a new snowmobile (now on display outside Leonard’s Market in Portola). Tickets are $20 each and only 600 tickets are being sold, so your chances of winning are much better than the odds in Reno! If you want to purchase tickets, give me a call at 832-0589. This event is the major fundraiser for the Rotary Endowment Scholarship Fund and it is always lots of fun. Now we just need to get some snow!

Thanks for reading!